Tim Pollard obit

Nottingham's official Robin Hood Tim Pollard dies aged 61 after 'short, brave' cancer battle

Tributes are pouring in for the city's beloved actor

 

He was not on the list.

Tim Pollard, Nottingham's official Robin Hood, has died following a battle with cancer. Mr Pollard was aged 61 and was surrounded by his family when he passed away.

A statement posted on his Facebook page revealed the beloved actor died following a "short, brave" battle with cancer. The tribute reads: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news of Tim's passing. He left us peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.

"Tim faced a short, brave battle with cancer. It was his heartfelt wish to keep his illness private, and he only allowed us to begin sharing this difficult news with a few close friends in recent weeks.

"He truly valued his privacy, and we are striving to honour that now.

"Tim was, as many of you know, our very own and only Robin Hood. He was loved by so many, not just here in Nottingham, but far beyond. His laughter, his spirit, and his incredible friendship touched countless lives.

"We know Tim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We will share details of how we will celebrate his life in due course."

Mr Pollard had been the city's Robin Hood for more than three decades. He is survived by his daughter. His wife, Sally Pollard, who was the city's Maid Marian, also died of cancer in June 2017 aged only 39.

Tributes started pouring in on Saturday, June 28. A statement from Nottingham City Council reads: "We're devastated to hear of Tim Pollard's passing. In his role as Robin Hood, he was emblematic of our city. But most of all, a lovely bloke with a big heart and a smile to match who will be hugely missed. Our thoughts at this difficult time are with his friends and family."

Steve Westby, chairman of Nottingham's Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said: "Tim was a good friend of Nottingham CAMRA and supporter of our Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival. He attended the festival every year dressed as his Robin Hood persona, which was enjoyed and appreciated by all attendees. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time."

Another message was posted by Ray Blockley, in which he said: "Very, very sad to hear of the passing of Tim Pollard this morning. A regular at the Nottingham Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival, who many folk will know from his Robin Hood persona, as well as his promotion and support of all things Nottingham and local.

"Thoughts are with his daughter and family at this sad time. If you can, raise a glass in his memory today."

Tim Freer added: "I've heard the terribly sad news this morning of the passing of Tim Pollard, our very own and much loved Robin Hood - all of us that knew him are devastated. My thoughts go out to his family, we're going to miss him so much."

Before his career as an actor, Pollard worked in the roleplaying and wargaming industry for many years as well as being a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. During this time, he became involved in Viking battle re-enactments and the first live-roleplaying company established in the UK, Treasure Trap (at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire), as well as performing with a number of local rock bands. He also studied medieval Japanese and 19th-century South African history at SOAS, the prestigious School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

As Nottingham's Official Robin Hood, Pollard represented the County and City of Nottingham nationally and internationally from 1996 – for example appearing in Chicago, Houston, Toronto and several times in New York City and Hamelin, Germany (home of the infamous Pied Piper with whom he kept in contact through their brotherhood Legion of Legends). He also performed regularly at Nottingham Castle's annual Robin Hood pageant and at medieval banquets, charity events and other shows throughout the Midlands.

Pollard also choreographed fight scenes or played roles in Blue Peter, The Oxford Road Show, Blind Date, The Big Breakfast, Moll Flanders and Common As Muck. He appeared regularly on local television news and also appeared as Robin Hood on television shows such as Australia's Channel 9 'Getaway' travel show, 'Castles, Secrets and Legends' for the U.S. Travel Channel and the BBC's 'Antiques Roadtrip'.

In his role as Official Robin Hood of Nottinghamshire, he appeared as an expert in local history on the Travel Channel television show "Expedition Unknown" Season 2 episode 'The Real Robin Hood' with Josh Gates.

Pollard appeared as the narrator character 'Lord Victor Fleming' in the horror films Dracula's Orgy of the Damned and Werewolf Massacre at Hell's Gate. Fleming is an expert in occult lore and a collector of tales of eldritch curiosity.

In 1985 he was a featured part of the stage show performing with psychedelic progressive rock band Hawkwind on their Chronicle of the Black Sword tour, and can be seen on the live concert DVD The Chronicle of the Black Sword.

Pollard also worked full- and part-time in the gaming business beginning in 1978. He was also employed in design at Games Workshop and Citadel Miniatures as a writer, editor, artist and art manager. He edited and produced the initial Flintloque line of table-top Napoleonic fantasy games for Alternative Armies, as well as co-writing the entry for Shaka Zulu in Steve Jackson Games GURPS Who's Who. He also contributed research on antique coins to the PC first-person action game The Operative: No One Lives Forever.